Unclaimed Remains of 7 Veterans Being Properly Buried

BOZEMAN -
The unclaimed remains of 7 veterans will be in their final resting place come Saturday.

To locate, identify and to inter, that is the goal of the Missing in America Project that rolled into Bozeman Friday.

"These American heroes receive the honor and respect they deserve it’s the right thing to do,” said Montana coordinator, Marty Malone.

The project partnered up with Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home in Bozeman just a few months ago where a brief ceremony was held today prior to a gathering in the parking lot.

"We will now ring out 8 bells because now these men can rest as their watch has come to an end,” said Malone prior to a moment of silence.

The Missing in America project ensures that no veteran's service goes unnoticed.

Malone said, "it's a shame that anybody, let alone a veteran sits in a funeral home shelf, or a closet of a basement it's more so for the veterans so I just want them to know that this is an important task."

Senator and veteran John Walsh along with about 30 other volunteers were on hand for a motorcycle procession to Billings.

"I think it’s a very great thing they are doing and I'm very honored to be a part of it,” said Wendy Smith who was part of the motorcycle procession.

One-by-one the 7 urns were carefully placed into the travel compartments on 7 motorcycles in preparation for their journey to Billings.

The remains of 7 fallen vets are now in the hands of the Missing in America Project and are being taken to Billings Friday evening where Saturday, they will be laid in their final resting place at the Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Saturday's ceremony at Yellowstone National Cemetery is open to the public and begins at 11:00 a.m.